Algaion juxtaposes black metal atmosphere with rousing power metal melodies on their 11-track release EXTHROS. Boasting members of Morifade and Corporation 187 in its ranks, this seasoned troupe has been around for almost two decades yet this is only their third official release. This Swedish trio employs a number of divergent influences to conjure up their hybrid metallic attack, merging crisp Gothenburg rhythms (“We Are the Enemy”) with harsh vocal rasps (“Theos Tou Aimatos”) to create a rare uplifting feeling emanating from something so bleak and cold. Retaining a massive sense of melody without abandoning a shred of raw aggression(“Nature Our Slave”), Algaion supply an intriguing barrage of blackened fury to the extreme metal realm. www.pulverised.net
- Mike SOS